yippee

Don't keel over...I'm blogging...because I've finished uni for the year!  


It feels so good to have some time for other things.  Over the last month I have been compiling a list of things to do once uni finishes.  Some are just for me, some are things that need to be done because they've simply been neglected for a while, and others are things I never seem to find time for.  I can't wait to work my way through it all.


It has taken almost a week for me to get out of study mode.  I would wake with that feeling of (almost) panic.  That horrible feeling when you know you have much more on your plate for the day than time could possibly allow.  Yesterday the feeling was gone...


I'm really happy with how this year has panned out.  Yes, it was a little crazy at times and I did have to burn the candle at both ends but only for a little while.  I'm happy that I decided to study part-time because it has allowed me to enjoy what I'm learning, have time for study, reading, assignments and all that and still be a mum and wife and relief society president and do a few hours of 'real' work a week!  My results have been really pleasing.  I've done so much better than I expected and I don't take that lightly at all.  Each time I opened a marked assignment my heart would be in my throat and I'd be talking to myself saying something like, "If I haven't passed this one then that's it, I'm just gonna get a job somewhere."  Then I'd scream with excitement to see that all was fine and that my hard work had paid off far more that expected.


I will probably do a bit of a catch up blog at a later stage but for now I'm enjoying my garden, sorting through the kids cupboards, painting, and best of all I now have time for a little bit of photo taking.

Two down...

...only 14 to go!  At this rate I might just finish before I need the aid of a walker!

I am really loving this course (Master of Teaching).  I am half way through my first PE (professional experience) and it has been lots of fun.  The kids in the 5/6 class I am in are exceptional.  They're all so well behaved and respectful and very capable.  I think this would be the 'dream school' for any teacher.  It is very similar to the school our kids attend, so it feels very familiar.  I have also realised that I have an advantage over the childless students who are all very tired after a busy week in the classroom.  I, on the other hand, feel as if I'm on a break!  

All of my assignments are done, just one exam, on June 6th, and that's first semester in the bag.  Feels good to know that I still have what it takes.

Easter

This Easter was spent at "The Farm" aka mum and dad's place.  After the excitement of an easter egg hunt and a pleasant morning attending Glen Huon ward Matt took the kids for a walk to my grandparents' place and I decided to wander around mum's garden.  For the past 34 years mum and dad have worked in this garden creating something magical and mysterious.  I have to say that it has paid off.  Mum has a real talent with landscape.  She is able to see it in her mind just the way it will be and then is able to make it all happen.  Dad is a very willing and capable (and I might just add patient) side kick who helps to make it more than just an image in mum's mind.  They make a great combination.
As I lazily strolled in and out of the many corners of the garden I remembered my happy childhood playing here - although it wasn't as established then as it is now, it was a fun place to be a kid.  I began to notice all the little things mum has added that give the garden its magic.  Then I began to think about the entire world and all the little things God has given us that make this life magical.  This earth is an amazing thing.  God truly wants us to be happy.  Why else would he give the one thing he cherished above all else - His Son?  I must have been in the garden for at least a couple of hours, just meandering and taking photos.  When I looked over them all last night I felt extremely grateful to be living in such a beautiful and peaceful corner of the earth.  I reflected on those who have gone before particularly the ANZACs and others who have sacrificed their life to help make our country the extraordinary place it is.  I am feeling very thankful and grateful for my life and my place in this world.  Sometimes it is easy to feel insignificant in this world but having the opportunity to reflect on the Saviour and his Atonement and to remember the ANZACs and those who have gone before all at the same time has made me feel very significant.  I feel an overwhelming sense that God knows me personally and that he blesses me so abundantly that I cannot comprehend it all.  None of these events in our history have just happened.  They have been for a reason and God has had a hand in it.  I believe that it was very much for my benefit (and yours) and I am so grateful.

what the?

I've never laughed so hard in all my life.
Trying out the cyberlink youcam on Reuben's new laptop was so much fun.

Gee I'm glad it wasn't windy!

Confidential, secret, personal, special

That's what it says in the Collins Pocket Thesaurus under Private.
I'm following suit of many who have gone before.  If you want to stay tuned send me your email.

Blanche x

Horray!

Tomorrow I get my goofy husband back.

Boy I've missed him.




It's so much better when we are goofy together.

Matt

This is really for family and close friends who might be interested.  Matt is keeping a blog of his time in Turkey.  Check it out by clicking on the link.

Matt's blog